Systems and methods for drying roofs

ABSTRACT

Roof drying processes and associated systems. A representative process includes drawing moisture-laden air from within the internal structure of a roof via a vacuum blower, a extraction insert and an extraction manifold, and removing moisture from the moisture-laden air via a dehumidifier. The dry air can be directed back into the roof through an injection insert and an injection manifold.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to the following provisionalapplications, both of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.Provisional Application 62/120,553 filed on Feb. 25, 2015, and U.S.Provisional Application 62/254,566 filed on Nov. 12, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology is directed generally to roof drying processesand associated systems.

BACKGROUND

The roof of a building provides coverage, shielding, shading, andstructural support. Some types of roofs can have multiple layers thatprovide different functions. For example, a representative roof can havea corrugated steel layer that provides structural support, an insulationlayer that prevents or reduces heat transfer through the roof, a fiberboard layer that provides a surface suitable for membrane bonding, and amembrane layer that can prevent moisture penetration and reflectincoming sunlight. However, if the membrane layer is broken orpenetrated, moisture can permeate the roof. This unwanted moistureinside the roof can compromise the functions provided by the remainingroof layers. The unwanted moisture can also cause serious structuraldamage to the roof and therefore raise safety concerns. Accordingly,there is a need for improved systems and techniques for effectivelydrying roofs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a partially schematic, isometric illustration of a structurewith a roof on which a system in accordance with the present technologyis installed and operated.

FIG. 1B is a partially schematic cross-sectional illustration of aportion of the system shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic illustration of a system configured todry a roof in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for drying a roof inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for installing a systemfor drying a roof in accordance with another embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5 is a partially schematic illustration of a system that includes acontroller and one or more sensors configured to control a roof dryingoperation in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIGS. 6A-6C are partially schematic illustrations of connections betweensystem components for drying a roof in accordance with severalembodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate arrangements for removing moisture from a roof inaccordance with still further embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8A is a partially schematic, plan view of a system for drying aroof in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 8B is a partially schematic, cross-sectional illustration of aportion of the system shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a partially schematic side view of an insert configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 9B is a partially schematic, side view of an insert configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 9C illustrates the insert of FIG. 9B installed in a roof structurein accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a partially schematic, plan view of the system shown in FIG.8A, with a cover installed in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic, partially exploded side view of asupply connector for connecting a supply of air to the cover shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partially schematic, plan view of a portion of the systemshown in FIG. 10, illustrating representative sensors positioned inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a partially schematic, exploded view of the elements of aretainer for a cover, configured in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 14 is a partially schematic, cross sectional illustration ofrepresentative retainer elements configured in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 15 is a partially schematic, side view of a vent fitting configuredin accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed generally to apparatuses, systems,devices, and methods for drying building roofs. Methods in accordancewith particular embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used toeffectively dry building roofs that are water-damaged for any of avariety of reasons, such as severe weather conditions, age, improperinstallation, structural defects, and/or improper cleaning processes.

In general terms, the systems and methods disclosed herein are directedto withdrawing moisture from the internal structure of a roof. Inseveral representative embodiments, this is done by inserting extractioninserts at one or more extraction locations, and inserting injectioninserts at one or more injection locations of the roof structure, so asto be in fluid communication with the moist areas of the structure. Dryair can be injected into the injection inserts and travels through theinternal roof structure to the extraction inserts. Along the way, thedry air picks up moisture from the wet roof structure. The moist air isremoved from the roof structure at the extraction locations. The air isthen dried (e.g., via a dehumidifier) and returned to the injectionlocations.

The foregoing arrangement is generally referred to as a “recirculating”arrangement. In other embodiments, the air is not recirculated. Forexample, if the ambient air is dry enough, it can be propelled or drawndirectly into the injection inserts from the environment, and the moistair removed from the extraction inserts can be expelled directly intothe environment, without being dried and recirculated. The air used forthis process can be (a) drawn out of the extraction inserts via vacuum,or (b) forced into the injection inserts via pressure, or (c) both (a)and (b). In another non-recirculation arrangement, the injected air canbe dried prior to being injected (e.g., if the ambient air is moist),but is not recovered and recirculated after being removed from the roof.Embodiments for which the air is not recirculated are referred to hereinas “single pass” arrangements.

Several details describing structures and processes that are well-knownand often associated with these types of systems and processes, but thatmay unnecessarily obscure some significant aspects of the presentlydisclosed technology, are not set forth in the following description forpurposes of clarity. Furthermore, although the following disclosure setsforth several embodiments of different aspects of the disclosedtechnology, several other embodiments can have different configurationsand/or different components than those described in this section.Accordingly, the disclosed technology may include other embodiments withadditional elements not described below with reference to FIGS. 1A-15and/or without several of the elements described below with reference toFIGS. 1A-15.

Several embodiments of the technology described below may take the formof computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by aprogrammable computer and/or controller. For example, embodimentsrelating to methods of drying a roof or methods of balancing multipleairflows for drying a roof. Persons having ordinary skills in therelevant art will appreciate that the technology can be practiced oncomputer and/or controller systems other than those described below. Thedisclosed technology can be embodied in a special-purpose computer,controller or data processor that is specifically programmed, configuredor constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executableinstructions. Accordingly, the terms “computer” and “controller” asgenerally used herein refer to any suitable data processor and caninclude Internet appliances and hand-held devices (including palm-topcomputers, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones,multi-processor systems, processor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, network computers, mini computers and the like).Information handled by these computers can be presented at any suitabledisplay medium.

The technology can also be practiced in distributed environments, wheretasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices that arelinked through a communications network. For example, a controller in asystem in accordance with the present disclosure can be linked with andcontrol other components in the system. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules or subroutines may be located in local andremote memory storage devices. Aspects of the technology described belowmay be stored or distributed on computer-readable media, includingmagnetic or optically readable or removable computer disks, as well asdistributed electronically over networks.

Several embodiments are described below in the context of injectioninserts, which are inserted into the roof at one or more injectionlocations, and extraction inserts, which are inserted into the roof atone or more extraction locations. In other embodiments, the process ofextracting moisture from the roof can be conducted (a) withoutextraction inserts, or (b) without injection inserts, or (c) withoutextraction inserts and without injection inserts. Instead, the operatorcan either drill holes or use pre-existing holes at the injectionlocations and/or the extraction locations. An advantage of the insertsis that they provide additional control (when compared to drilled holes)over the manner in which fluid flows enter and exit the roof structureduring the drying process.

FIG. 1A is a partially schematic, isometric illustration of a structure110 having a roof 111 on which a system 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology is installed and operated. As shownin FIG. 1A, the roof 111 can have an upwardly-facing roof surface 112surrounded by a parapet 113. The system 100 is configured to beinstalled and operated on the roof surface 112. In the illustratedembodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the system 100 can include multiple (e.g.,four) extraction locations 131, each with a corresponding extractioninsert 101. The system 100 can also include multiple (e.g., two)extraction manifolds 103 connected to (and in fluid communication with)the extraction inserts 101 at the extraction locations 131. The systemcan further include multiple (e.g., two) injection locations 135, eachwith a corresponding injection insert 105, a corresponding injectionmanifold 107 connected to (and in fluid communication with) theinjection inserts 105 at the injection locations 135, and amoisture-removal device or dryer 109 (e.g., a dehumidifier). In otherembodiments, the numbers and/or positions of the extraction inserts 101,extraction manifolds 103, injection inserts 105, and injection manifolds107 can vary depending on one or more factors, including the spatialdistribution of the moisture to be removed, the access to variousportions of the roof 111, the structural integrity of the roof 111, theslope of the roof 111, and/or other suitable factors.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the extraction manifolds 103 can be positionedparallel to the injection manifold 107. In other embodiments, theextraction manifolds 103 and the injection manifold 107 can bepositioned differently (e.g., not parallel to each other). In someembodiments, the system 100 can be operated without the extractionmanifolds 103 and the injection manifold 107. Instead, the extractioninserts 101 and the injection inserts 105 can be connected directly tothe moisture-removal device 109. In some embodiments, the extractioninserts 101 and the injection inserts 105 can be arranged in a staggeredgrid. Accordingly, each extraction insert 101 can be surrounded bymultiple (e.g., four) injection inserts 105, and each injection insert105 can be surrounded by multiple (e.g., four) extraction inserts 101.

The moisture-removal device 109 is configured to remove moisture fromwithin the internal structure of the roof 111 (e.g., the internal layersof the roof 111). Accordingly, the moisture-removal device 109 caninclude a moisture-removal component 120, e.g., a water separator, adehumidifier, or another suitable device. The moisture-removal device109 can be in fluid communication with the moist internal structure ofthe roof 111 via removal conduits 130 (e.g., hoses or pipes), which arein turn connected to the extraction manifolds 103 and/or the extractioninserts 101 to receive and deliver moist air, as indicated by arrows A.The moisture-removal device 109 can also include an air mover 121, e.g.,a vacuum blower or a fan. The air mover 121 is configured to drawmoisture-laden air from within the roof 111 through the extractioninserts 101 and the extraction manifolds 103. The moisture-removalcomponent 120 can remove moisture from the moisture-laden air to producedry (or drier) air. In the recirculating arrangement shown in FIG. 1,the air mover 121 returns the dry air to the internal structure of theroof 111 through the injection inserts 105 and the injection manifold107, via supply conduits 131 (e.g., hoses or pipes) as indicated byarrow B. The dry air picks up additional moisture, and the cyclecontinues.

FIG. 1B is a partially schematic cross-sectional view taken generallyalong line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A, illustrating the roof 111, two extractioninserts 101 and an injection insert 105. As shown in FIG. 1B, the roof111 can include a membrane layer 1111, a fiber board layer 1113 (alsoreferred to in the industry as a cover board layer), an insulation layer1115, and a corrugated steel layer 1117. The corrugated steel layer 1117can provide structural support for the roof 111. The insulation layer1115 can reduce or prevent heat transfer between the interior and theexterior of the structure 110. The fiber board layer 1113 can cover theinsulation layer 1115 and provide a surface suitable for bonding. Themembrane layer 1111 can be bonded to the insulation layer 1115 and canprevent or reduce moisture penetration from the outside to the inside ofthe roof 111. In some embodiments, the membrane layer 1111 can also bereflective to sunshine or other types of radiation to supplement theinsulation function provided by the insulation layer 1115.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the extraction inserts 101 can be positioned infirst holes 115 of the roof 111, and the injection insert 105 can bepositioned in a second hole 117. In some embodiments, the first holes115 and/or the second hole 117 can be deliberately drilled or otherwiseformed to facilitate drying the roof 111, and in other embodiments, thefirst holes 115 and/or the second hole 117 can be pre-existing holes,recesses, indentions, or other similar features that allow access to theinterior layers of the roof 111.

In operation, the moisture-laden air from within the roof 111 can bedrawn out via the extraction inserts 101, indicated by arrows A. Themoisture-laden air moves through the extraction manifolds 103 toward themoisture-removal device 109. The moisture-removal device 109 can thenremove (or partially remove) moisture from the moisture-laden air. Thesystem 100 then returns the dried air to the internal structure of theroof 111, as indicated by arrows B, via the injection manifold 107 andthe injection insert 105.

Unwanted moisture can exist in any of the layers of the roof 111.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1B, the dry air can be delivered tomultiple layers of the roof 111. For example, the injection insert 105can include multiple holes, perforations, pores or other openings 122,at multiple depths, to inject dry air into the fiber board layer 1113(as indicated by arrow B1), the insulation layer 1115 (as indicated byarrow B2), and/or the corrugated steel layer 1117 (as indicated by arrowB3).

In a typical case, the unwanted moisture accumulates in the fiber boardlayer 1113 and/or the insulation layer 1115. In other cases, however,the unwanted moisture can accumulate in the corrugated steel layer 1117.Because the amount of moisture in each layer (and whether or not a givenlayer has any moisture at all) can vary from one roof to the next, thesystem 100 can be configurable or adjustable so as to adjust the amountof the dry air injected into the different layers of the roof 111. Insome embodiments, for example, the injection insert 105 can be aperforated insert with a perforation pattern that varies along thelength or height of the insert. More particularly, in some embodiments,the injection insert 105 can be designed to deliver 50% of the incomingdry air to a first layer (e.g., the fiber board layer 1113), 30% of theincoming dry air to a second layer (e.g., the insulation layer 1115),and 20% of the incoming dry air to a third layer (e.g., the corrugatedsteel layer 1117). In other embodiments, the foregoing percentages canbe different, e.g., depending on the structure of the roof 111 and/orthe distribution of moisture within the roof structure.

In a further embodiment, the vertical position of the injection insert105 is deliberately adjustable to control which roof layer or layersreceive dry air. For example, the injection insert 105 can have one ormore injection pores 123 positioned only at or toward the bottom of theinjection insert 105. When an operator of the system 100 wants to focuson removing moisture or fluid from a particular layer of the roof 111,he/she can position the injection insert 105 so that the injectionpore(s) 123 are at that layer. This design enables the operator of thesystem 100 to conveniently use the same injection insert 105 to addressmoisture issues at any layer, and/or to change the layer from whichmoisture is removed, by simply adjusting the position of the injectioninsert 105. To accommodate the vertical motion of the injection insert105 (which is indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 1B) without compromisingthe integrity of the injection manifold 107, the system 100 can includean air-tight component (e.g., a seal ring) between the exterior surfaceof the injection insert 105 and an opening in the injection manifold107.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the height of theextraction insert 101 is smaller than the height of the injection insert105. For example, the extraction insert 101 can be sized to extend justbeyond the thickness of the membrane layer 1111. It is expected thatthis arrangement will produce suitable drying in all the layers belowthe membrane 1111 because moist air can be withdrawn from all thesub-membrane layers with the extraction insert 101 in this position. Inother embodiments, however, the height of the extraction insert 101 canbe different. For example, if the moisture is primarily in theinsulation layer 1115 and/or the corrugated steel layer 1117, and/or itis difficult to draw moist air through the fiberboard layer 1113, theextraction insert 101 can extend further. For example, the extractioninsert 101 can extend into the insulation layer 1115 (e.g., if themoisture is primarily in the insulation layer 1115) or through theinsulation layer (e.g., if the moisture is primarily in the corrugatedsteel layer 1117). In still another embodiment, the extraction insert101 can have a configuration similar or identical to that of theinjection insert 105 so that the vertical position of the extractioninsert 101 can be adjusted in the manner described above with referenceto the injection insert 105.

The extraction manifold 103 and the injection manifold 107 can besecured in position at or near the extraction location(s) 131 and theinjection location(s) 135, respectively. For example, if the membranelayer 1111 is sufficiently smooth, and a vacuum is drawn on theextraction manifold 103 to withdraw moist air, the force of the vacuumcan be sufficient to hold the extraction manifold 103 in place. If themembrane surface is rough or uneven, or if the operator wants to furthersecure the extraction manifold 103 in place, the operator can add a seal137 (e.g., a silicone seal) between the extraction manifold 103 and themembrane layer 1111. The injection manifold 107 can be made heavy enoughthat it will stay in place over the injection location(s) 135, despitethe elevated pressure within it, and can further include a seal 137(e.g., if the membrane layer 1111 is rough or uneven) or no seal 137(e.g., if the membrane layer 1111 is sufficiently smooth).

The same manifold arrangements can be used whether or not individualinjection sites 135 include an injection insert 105, and whether or notindividual extraction sites 131 include an extraction insert 103. Insuch instances, the injection manifold 107 is placed directly over thesecond hole(s) 117 and the extraction manifold 103 is placed directlyover the first hole(s) 115.

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic illustration of a system 200 configuredto dry a roof 111 in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology. As shown in FIG. 2, some or all the components of the system200 can be positioned on the roof 111. In other embodiments, however,some components of the system 200 can be positioned on one or morefloors of the building and/or on the ground outside the building. Thesystem 200 can include one or more extraction inserts 201, one or moreextraction manifolds 203, one or more injection inserts 205, and one ormore injection manifolds 207. The system 200 can also include one ormore water separators 209, vacuum relief valves 211, and air movers(e.g., vacuum blowers 213), all of which are shown schematically in sideview for purposes of illustration. The system 200 can further includeone or more dehumidifiers 215, and one or more heat exchangers 217.

The extraction inserts 201 are configured to be positioned in thestructure of the roof 111 to draw moisture-laden air therefrom,generally in the manner described above. In a representative embodiment,the extraction inserts 201 can have a hollow space to allow the moistair to pass through. In some embodiments, the extraction insert 201 caninclude a filter component 224 or other partially blocking device thatallows air (e.g., moisture-laden air) to pass while preventingconstituent materials of the roof (e.g., fibers, plastic, rubble, sand,concrete fillers, etc.) from passing. The extraction inserts 201 can bemade of plastic or other suitable materials, and are connected to and influid communication with the corresponding extraction manifolds 203.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2, one extraction manifold203 is connected to (and receives moisture from) four extraction inserts201. In other embodiments, the number of extraction manifolds 203 andcorresponding extraction inserts 201 can vary depending on variousfactors, such as the number and positions of the injection inserts 205and the injection manifolds 207, the size and/or shape of the area to bedried, the amount of moisture to be removed, the capacities of therelevant components (e.g., the water separator(s) 209, the vacuumblower(s) 213, and/or the dehumidifier(s) 215) and/or other suitablefactors.

As discussed above, the injection inserts 205 are positioned to directdry air into the roof. Accordingly, the injection inserts 205 can have ahollow space to allow dry air to pass through. The injection inserts 205can be made of plastic or other suitable materials, and can have aperforated, porous, and/or otherwise flow-through structure. Theinjection inserts 205 can be connected in fluid communication with theinjection manifolds 207, as discussed above.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2, one injection manifold207 is connected to four injection inserts 205. In other embodiments,the injection manifolds 207 can be connected to other numbers ofinjection inserts 205, depending on various factors, such as the numberand positions of the extraction inserts 201 and/or extraction manifolds203, the size and/or shape of the area to be dried, the amount ofmoisture to be removed, the capacities of the relevant components (e.g.,the water separator(s) 209, the vacuum blower(s) 213, thedehumidifier(s) 215) and/or other suitable factors.

The size, number and/or location of the extraction inserts 201,extraction manifolds 203, injection inserts 205, and injection manifolds207 can be selected so that the amount of moisture-laden air drawn fromthe roof 111 is substantially equal to the amount of the dry airinjected into the roof 111. Accordingly, the extraction inserts 201, theextraction manifolds 203, the injection inserts 205, and the injectionmanifolds 207 can have a variety of suitable sizes, shapes and positionsthat facilitate the foregoing balanced flow.

The water separator 209 can be located downstream of the extractioninserts 201 to remove at least some solids, debris, fluids, and/ormoisture from the moisture-laden air drawn from the roof 111, e.g.,before the moisture-laden air is delivered to the vacuum blower 213 andthe dehumidifier 215. In some embodiments, the water separator 209 canbe a centrifugal water separator. In other embodiments, the waterseparator 209 can be another suitable devices that can separatewater/fluids/solids from the air in which these constituents areentrained. In any of these embodiments, the water separator 209 canremove liquid water to achieve one or both of two purposes: (a)preventing the liquid water from entering the vacuum blower 213, whichcould otherwise damage or disable the vacuum blower 213, and/or (b)reducing the water extraction demand on the dehumidifier 215, which isgenerally configured to remove water vapor and is less suited toremoving liquid water.

As shown in FIG. 2, individual vacuum blowers 213 are positioned influid communication with a corresponding extraction manifold 203 (andthe associated extraction inserts 201). In other embodiments, the vacuumblower 213 can be positioned at other locations along the airflow path Pbetween the extraction inserts 201 and the injection inserts 205. Avacuum relief valve 211 can be positioned adjacent to the vacuum blower213 and can be configured to adjust the air pressure (or the vacuumdrawn by the vacuum blower 213) along the airflow path by allowingambient air into the airflow path or releasing (e.g., bleeding out) aportion of the air in the airflow path to the environment. In severalembodiments, the air pressure along the airflow path can be monitored byvarious sensors S. In such embodiments, the vacuum relief valves 211 canadjust the air pressure in response to the output produced by thesensors S. Accordingly, the vacuum relief valves 211 can be used tobalance the airflows around the flow circuit of the recirculatingarrangement shown in FIG. 2.

The dehumidifier 215 can be positioned in fluid communication with theextraction manifold 203 (and thus the extraction inserts 201) anddownstream of the vacuum blowers 213. In other embodiments, thedehumidifier 215 can have other positions, e.g., upstream of one or morevacuum blowers 213. The dehumidifier 215 is configured to (further)remove moisture from the moisture-laden air drawn from the extractioninserts 201.

In some embodiments, particularly when the ambient air is relativelywarm and wet, the system 200 can be configured to maintain the airflowpath as a “closed-loop.” This arrangement can restrict or prevent theinflow of moist ambient air, which would otherwise burden themoisture-removal capacity of the system 200. The moisture-removalcapacity of the system 200 can depend at least in part on theefficiencies of the water separator 209 and/or the dehumidifier 215. Thesystem 200 can maintain a “closed loop” airflow path by keeping theflowrate along the airflow path from the extraction inserts 201 to theinjection inserts 207 substantially constant. In some embodiments, theflowrate can be established and/or controlled by the vacuum blower 213with nominal or negligible flowrate changes (e.g., caused by frictionloss or leakage).

In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 215 can include an air mover 225that can draw additional vacuum (e.g., in addition to the vacuum drawnby the vacuum blowers 213) to facilitate moving air along the airflowpath from the extraction inserts 201 to the injection inserts 205. Theair mover 225 can have a similar air-moving capacity (e.g., capable ofmoving substantially the same amount of air per time unit) as the one ormore vacuum blowers 213. Accordingly, the system 200 can maintain aclosed-loop airflow path by keeping the flowrate along the airflow pathfrom the extraction inserts 201 to the injection inserts 205substantially constant. In this mode, the system 200 does not need totake in air (e.g., from the environment) or release air (e.g., to theenvironment) along the airflow path.

In other embodiments, the system 200 can operate in an “open loop,” (butstill recirculating) arrangement. For example, if the air mover 225 andthe vacuum blowers 213 do not have similar air-moving capacities, thesystem 200 can balance the airflow moved by the vacuum blowers 213 andthat moved by the air mover by, for example, bleeding out a particularamount of air in the airflow path (e.g., via the vacuum relief valves211) or taking in a particular amount of ambient air (e.g., via thevacuum relief valves 211 and/or other inlets along the airflow path).

In some embodiments, when the ambient air is relatively cool and dry,the system 200 can bring ambient air directly into the airflow path soas to enhance an overall efficiency of the system 200. For example, dryambient air can be drawn in through an air inlet 226 of the dehumidifier215. In other embodiments, ambient air can be drawn in at any suitableposition along the airflow path. For example, ambient air can be drawndirectly into the injection inserts 201.

In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 215 can include, or be connectedwith, a heat exchanger 217. The heat exchanger 217 can be used toprecool the airflow into the dehumidifier 215 and heat the airflowexiting the dehumidifier. Representative heat exchangers are describedin issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,529, filed on Oct. 15, 2012, incorporatedherein by reference. The heat exchange process can increase the overallefficiency of the water removal process in a recirculating system.

The system 200 can operate without several of the components shown inFIG. 2. For example, the system 200 can operate without the dehumidifier215. In such embodiments, the water separator 209 removes moisture ofthe moisture-laden air to form the dry air to be returned to the roof111 (via the injection inserts 205). In some embodiments, the system 200can operate without the water separator 209. In such embodiments, thedehumidifier 215 removes moisture from the moisture-laden air to producethe dry air to be returned to the roof 111. In such instances, thevacuum blowers 213 can be replaced with a different air mover that isnot sensitive to the presence of liquid water in the flow drawn from theroof 111. The air mover can be located at any suitable site along theairflow path P.

As indicated above, the system 200 can include multiple sensors S, e.g.,coupled to one or more components, such as the water separator(s) 209,the vacuum blower(s) 213, and/or the dehumidifier(s) 215, to monitorthose components, and/or positioned along the flow path to monitor theflow between the extraction inserts 201 and the injection inserts 205.In some embodiments, the system 200 can include one or more controllers230 configured to monitor and control (e.g., optimize) the operation ofthe system 200, based on inputs from the sensors S. Accordingly, thecontroller 230 can receive inputs I (e.g., sensed system parameters) andissue directions via outputs O to carry out the functions describedabove. The controller 230 can communicate with the various componentsand sensors of the system 200 via wired or wireless connections. Forexample, the controller 230 can be used to balance the airflow drawn bythe vacuum blowers 213 and that drawn by the air mover 225, so as tomaintain a constant airflow along the airflow path, as discussed above.The controller can include a set of computer-executable instructionsstored in a transitory or non-transitory computer readable medium. Thecomputer-executable instructions can be created or updated at leastbased on empirical data from operations or measurement results from thevarious sensors of the system 200.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 for drying a roof inaccordance with several embodiments of the present technology. At block303, the method includes drawing a flow having moisture-laden air fromthe roof. This process can be performed by drawing the flow (which mayinclude liquid water in addition to moist air) through an extractioninsert (or another suitable structure, or directly via a hole in theroof, with no insert) via a vacuum blower (or other suitable device). Atblock 305, the process includes directing the water flow to a waterseparator. At block 307, a first portion of moisture (e.g., liquidwater) is removed from the flow by the water separator. At block 309,the flow is directed to a dehumidifier where a second portion ofmoisture (e.g., vapor) from the moisture-laden air is removed so as toform processed air (e.g., dry air) (block 311). At block 313, theprocessed air is directed into the roof through an injection insert. Insome embodiments, the method 300 can include applying a sealant to sealthe first and second inserts and/or the holes in which the inserts areplaced when the moisture removal process is complete. In this regard,the inserts can facilitate filling the holes used to inject and/orextract air. For example, if the first (extraction) holes 115 and/or thesecond (injection) holes 117 extend down to the corrugated steel layer1117, a liquid sealant placed in the holes would simply run down to thecorrugated steel layer 1117 and spread throughout the corrugatedchannels without plugging the holes. The inserts can slow the flow ofsealant sufficiently that it dries and seals the holes.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for installing a roofdrying system in accordance with several embodiments of the presenttechnology. At block 403, the method includes locating a first hole(e.g., an extraction location) and a second hole (e.g., an injectionlocation) in the roof. In some embodiments, the first hole and/or thesecond hole are deliberately made in the roof as part of the moistureremoval operation. In other embodiments, the first hole and/or thesecond hole can be selected from pre-existing holes of the roof. Factorsto be considered when locating the first and second holes include, forexample, the distribution of the moisture to be removed, accessibility,structural integrity of the roof, the slope of the roof, etc.

At block 405, the method includes positioning an extraction insert(e.g., the extraction insert 101 or 201 discussed above) in the firsthole (e.g., the first hole 115 shown in FIG. 1B). The method 400 canthen include connecting the extraction insert with an extractionmanifold (e.g., the extraction manifold 103 or 203 discussed above) atblock 407. Blocks 409 and 411 can be conducted in parallel or in serieswith blocks 405 and 407. Block 409 includes positioning an injectioninsert (e.g., the injection insert 105 or 205 discussed above) in thesecond hole (e.g., the second hole 117 shown in FIG. 1B). Block 411includes connecting the injection insert with an injection manifold(e.g., the injection manifold 107 or 207 discussed above). As discussedabove, the injection insert and/or the extraction insert can beeliminated in particular embodiments.

At block 413, the method includes positioning a water separator (e.g.,the water separator 209 shown in FIG. 2) in fluid communication with theextraction manifold. Block 415 includes positioning a vacuum blower(e.g., the vacuum blowers 213 shown in FIG. 2) in fluid communicationwith the extraction manifold. At block 417, the method includespositioning a dehumidifier (e.g., the dehumidifier 215 shown in FIG. 2)in fluid communication with the extraction manifold. Block 419 includespositioning the injection manifold in fluid communication with thedehumidifier. In some embodiments, the method 400 can include forming aclosed loop drying system that can remove moisture from the roof withoutadding to or subtracting from air in the airflow path between theextraction inserts and the injection inserts. In other embodiments, themethod 400 can include forming an open loop drying system that can bringin ambient air to dry the roof or bleed out surplus air from the airflowpath between the extraction inserts and the injection inserts.

In some embodiments, the drying method includes balancing the airflowmoved by a first air mover (e.g., the vacuum blower 213) and that movedby a second air mover (e.g., an air mover positioned in or associatedwith a dehumidifier such as the dehumidifier 215) in a closed loopsystem. In some embodiments, the method includes balancing the twoairflows based on ambient conditions (e.g., temperature and/or humidity)which may be measured by one or more sensors. In some embodiments, themethod includes using a controller to balance the two airflows. In someembodiments, the method can be used to balance more than two airflows.For example, the method can include balancing airflows from multiplevacuum blowers, as shown in FIG. 2. Balancing can include varying thespeeds and/or otherwise varying the volumetric and/or mass flow rates ofthe various air moving devices. The present disclosure encompasses bothcarrying out the foregoing processes and instructing others to carry outone or more of the foregoing processes.

FIG. 5 is a partially schematic illustration of a system 500 thatincludes one or more sensors and other features configured to facilitatethe process of drying a roof 111 in accordance with several embodimentsof the present technology. The system 500 can remove moisture from oneor more treatment areas 530 of the roof 111. In FIG. 5, representativetreatment areas 530 are illustrated as a first treatment area 530 a, asecond treatment area 530 b and an nth treatment area 530 n. In anembodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, each treatment area 530 can include anextraction manifold 503 coupled to a corresponding water separator 509,a vacuum relief valve 511, and a vacuum blower 513. In otherembodiments, any of the foregoing components can be shared amongmultiple treatment areas 530. The vacuum blowers 513 can direct airremoved from the treatment areas 530 to a dryer 540 (e.g., adehumidifier or other moisture removal device) via a dryer inlet 541.Dried air exits the dryer 540 at a dryer outlet 542, and, in anembodiment shown in FIG. 5, the dried air is redirected to the treatmentareas 530 via injection manifolds 507. Accordingly, the system shown inFIG. 5 is configured to operate in a recirculating mode.

During operation, an individual vacuum blower 513 draws a flow of moistair, possibly including liquid water, from the treatment areas 530 viathe corresponding extraction manifolds 503, as indicated by arrows A.The moist air passes through the water separators 509, where water isseparated from the flow, as indicated by arrows C. The water separators509 can include internal vacuum pumps. Accordingly, in someinstallations (e.g., smaller installations), the vacuum blowers 513 canbe eliminated, and the vacuum function can be performed by the waterseparators 509. In at least some embodiments, the vacuum relief valve511 is opened to allow additional (e.g., make-up) air to enter the flowpassing into the vacuum blower 513. The vacuum blower 513 directs theflow to the dryer 540, and the resulting dried air is returned to thetreatment areas 530 via the injection manifolds 507, as indicated byarrows B.

The system 500 can further include one or more sensors 550 that generatesignals indicative of the conditions in the surrounding environmentand/or at, or proximate to, selected system components. The signals areprovided as inputs 518 to a controller 517, which can process the inputsand direct outputs 519 (e.g., instructions) for controlling one or moreof the components shown in FIG. 5.

In a representative embodiment, the sensors 550 can include a dryerinlet sensor 551 positioned in fluid communication with the dryer inlet541, and a dryer outlet sensor 552 positioned in fluid communicationwith the dryer output 542. The dryer inlet sensor 551 can detect theinlet flow temperature, relative humidity, and/or other suitableparameters, or correlates of such parameters (e.g., raw data in the formof a voltage or current). The outlet sensor 552 can detect thetemperature, relative humidity, and/or other suitable parameters orcorrelates of such parameters of the outlet flow. The informationprovided by the dryer inlet and outlet sensors 551, 552 can be used(e.g., by the controller 517) to control the operation of the dryer 540and/or other system components.

The sensors 550 can also include vacuum sensors 555 that communicatewith the corresponding vacuum blowers 513. The communication can befluid communication (for example, to determine the level of vacuumprovided by an individual vacuum blower 513), and/or electricalcommunication (for example, to identify the amount of current drawn bythe vacuum blower 513). The vacuum sensors 555 can measure conditionstoward the inlet and/or the exit of the vacuum blower 513. Thisinformation can be used (a) to provide automatic notifications (e.g., ifthe vacuum blower 513 fails to operate as expected), and/or (b) tocontrol the amount of air entering the flow stream upstream of thevacuum blower 513 via the vacuum relief valve 511.

The vacuum relief valve 511 can include a relief valve sensor 554 thatmeasures suitable parameters, including the flow temperature and/orrelative humidity of the fluid flow. The relief valve sensor 554 can belocated upstream of, downstream of, and/or at the bypass inlet of thevacuum relief inlet 511.

FIG. 5 also illustrates water sensors 553 coupled to the outlets of thewater separators 509 to measure the amount of water removed atindividual water separators 509. Optionally, the system 500 can alsoinclude a collective water sensor 556 that measures the total amount ofwater removed from multiple water separators 509, in addition to or inlieu of measuring the water removed from individual water separators509.

The system 500 can also include treatment area sensors 552 positioned at(e.g., within) individual treatment areas 530 to provide data from thetreatment areas 530. The treatment areas 530 may be enclosed orpartially enclosed, as is described in greater detail below withreference to FIGS. 7A-7D. The treatment sensors 552 can detect suitableparameters, e.g., the vacuum level, the temperature, and/or the moisturecontent within each treatment area 530. For purposes of illustration, asingle treatment area sensor 552 is illustrated for each treatment area530. In a typical installation, individual treatment areas 530 may havemultiple treatment area sensors 552. For example, individual treatmentarea sensors 552 can each be dedicated to a particular function orfunctions (e.g., measuring vacuum, temperature, and/or moisturecontent), and each area can include multiple treatment area sensors 552distributed throughout the treatment area 530, each of which measures asingle parameter or multiple parameters, to account for parametervariations within each treatment area 530. For example, a representativeembodiment includes one vacuum sensor for each 1000 ft² of treatmentarea. A representative temperature sensor includes a thermistor on a rodthat can be inserted into the roof structure (e.g., the insulation) tomeasure the internal temperature of the structure. Particularembodiments can include 10-12 temperature sensors and/or moisturesensors per 1000 ft² of treatment area.

The sensors 550 can further include environmental sensors 557 positioned(e.g., on the roof 111) and configured to measure general environmentalconditions, other than those within an individual treatment area 530,and other than those within the system components described above.Representative environmental sensors 557 can include an irradiationsensor 559 that determines the available energy from incident solarradiation, and/or an anemometer 558 that is used to determine the localwind conditions (e.g., wind speed and/or direction). Such data can beimportant for determining whether the system 500 is to be left on theroof 111 during certain weather conditions. A rain gage 562 can be usedto measure the amount of rain falling on the roof 111, which in turn canbe used to evaluate the integrity of the roof 111 and/or the system 500(e.g., by determining if the water removed from the roof 111 by thewater separators 509 increases during or after rainfall). One or moretemperature sensors 560 can be used to determine the available energygain resulting from the local ambient temperature, and can be used tobalance the flow of air within the system 500. A humidity sensor 561(e.g., a relative humidity sensor) can be used to determine air flowparameters and valve settings throughout the system 500. For example,information regarding the ambient temperature and humidity can be usedto set the vacuum relief valves 511, and/or establish bypass air at thedryer 540.

Each of the foregoing sensors 550 can be coupled to the controller 517e.g., via a wired connection or a wireless connection. For example, thesensor data can be directed to a cellular-equipped gateway that providesthe data to a server and allows an operator to view the data and monitorthe system remotely, and make adjustments to the system 500. In anotherembodiment, the data from the sensors 550 can be accessed directly atthe building site. In either of the foregoing embodiments, theadjustments to the system 500 can be made manually, e.g., to balance andadjust the operation of the system components. In still anotherembodiment, the entire operation can be conducted autonomously. Forexample, the data can be autonomously directed to the controller 517,and the controller 517 can autonomously change the settings ofindividual components, as needed, e.g., via motor controlled valves,and/or other actuators.

For purposes of illustration, the controller 517 is illustrated as asingle element. As described above, the controller 517 can includemultiple, distributed components, which may each be responsible for aparticular task, and which together control the overall operation of thesystem 500.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a simplified version of the system 500 describedabove with reference to FIG. 5, with components interconnected in avariety of manners or configurations, dependent upon factors that caninclude the local environmental conditions. For purposes ofillustration, the sensors 550 described above with reference to FIG. 5are not shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. However, data from the sensors willtypically be used to manually, automatically, or semi-automaticallyconfigure the system in any of the arrangements described below withreference to FIGS. 6A-6C.

FIG. 6A illustrates a first configuration 690 a that can be suitable fortemperate or cool climates, for example, those typical of the PacificNorthwest region of the United States. In this embodiment, air iswithdrawn from the treatment areas 530 via corresponding extractionmanifolds 503, and is directed through the separators 509, relief valves511, and blowers 513 to the dryer 540, as indicated by arrows A. Wateris removed from the flow path by the separators 509 as indicated byarrows C. The vacuum relief valves 511 can be opened to allow air toenter the flow path, as indicated by arrows D. Warm, dry air is returnedfrom the dryer 540 to the treatment areas 530 via the injectionmanifolds 507, as indicated by arrows B. In this configuration, it canbe advantageous to direct the flow evacuated from the treatment areas530 into the dryer 540 via the blowers 513 because the blowers 513 canadd a significant amount of energy to the flow. That additional energycan reduce the likelihood for the dryer 540 to accumulate ice. As aresult, the likelihood that the dryer 540 will be unable to shed theaccumulated ice can be reduced, and the operational efficiency andendurance of the system 500 can be increased.

FIG. 6B illustrates a second configuration 690 b of the system 500 thatmay be suitable for operating in warm, temperate, or varied climateswhere the ambient air is typically warmer and/or more moist than for thefirst configuration 690 a described above with reference to FIG. 6A. Thetemperature of the ambient air may also vary more than for the firstconfiguration 690 a. Representative climates include the PacificNorthwest in late summer, and the American Southwest in spring or fall.Because the ambient air is warmer, the air dryer 540 can receive inletair directly from the environment, as indicated by arrow E. The driedair can be directed into the vacuum relief valves 511, as indicated byarrows D. This approach reduces the likelihood for moist air to enterthe flow driven by the blowers 513 (which would be the case if externalair were drawn directly into the relief valve 511 without first beingdried e.g., in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 6A).Instead, the heat provided by the blowers 513 can vaporize water at thetreatment areas 530. As will be described in greater detail below withreference to FIG. 7A, the treatment areas can be further heated byincident solar radiation. As will also be described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, a significant amount of the airdelivered to the treatment areas 530 escapes from the treatment areas530 to the surrounding environment. Accordingly, moisture in the flowextracted from the treatment areas 530 can pass through a plenum locatedabove the treatment areas 530, but is generally not re-introduced intothe structure of the roof 111.

FIGS. 6A and 6B both illustrate recirculating modes or configurations inwhich some processed air is returned to the treatment areas 530. FIG. 6Cillustrates a third configuration 690 c in which the system operates ina once-through mode. This configuration can be suitable for operation inhigh temperature and high humidity climates, for example, theSoutheastern region of the United States. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the dryer 540 receives high temperature, high humidity airfrom the environment, (as indicated by arrow E) dries the air, anddirects the air back to the treatment areas 530, as indicated by arrowsB. The moist flow removed from the treatment areas 530 passes throughthe water separators 509, the relief valves 511, and the blowers 513,which direct the exhaust flow into the environment in an open loopmanner. While this arrangement may be less efficient than recycling theflow exiting the blowers 513, it may be more advantageous to do so thanto attempt to remove moisture from the blower outflow under the hightemperature, high humidity local conditions. Instead, air dried by theair dryer 540 is directed to the treatment areas 530 (as indicated byarrows B) to reduce or eliminate the likelihood for additional moistureto be reintroduced into the treatment areas 530 while moisture isremoved from the treatment areas 530. The third configuration 690 c canhave particular applicability in situations for which the dew pointtemperature exceeds the roof temperature. The once-through configurationcan avoid condensation that might otherwise form under such conditions.

FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic illustrations of components positioned at thetreatment areas 530 described above. In a particular embodiment, thecomponents can include one or more covers 770 that are positioned overan individual treatment area 530 to provide a protected, semi-containedenvironment in which moist fluid is removed from the underlying roof111. Components within the protected treatment area 530 and beneath atleast one cover are shown in hidden lines in FIG. 7A. In a particularaspect of this embodiment, the cover 770 can have a dark,solar-radiation-absorptive color (e.g., black), and/or can include a oneor more materials selected for high radiative absorptivity so as to heatthe region of the roof 111 underneath. For example, in a representativeembodiment, the cover sheet(s) can include 0.008 inch black plasticsheeting (similar to that used for pond liners), and the treatment areacan be an 8 foot by 25 foot rectangle. The sheet(s) forming the cover(s)770 can be re-usable from one installation to the next. This ability ofthe cover(s) to contain heat at the treatment areas 530 is expected tomore readily vaporize (or at least prevent or restrict condensation of)the moisture in the treatment area, making it easier to remove via thefluid flows described herein.

FIG. 7A also illustrates a representative injection manifold 707 andextraction manifold 703. The injection manifold 707 provides air to aplenum 778 underneath the cover 770. Air is drawn from the plenum 778into the roof structure via injection inserts 705. Moist air exits theroof structure via extraction inserts 701, which are connected to acorresponding extraction manifold 703. Excess air within the plenum 778exits the plenum 778 via one or more escape openings 779.

The cover(s) 770 can be held in place with one or more retainers 771 andone or more weights 777. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the weights777 can include one or more first weights 777 a positioned outside atleast one cover 770, and one or more second weights 777 b positionedbeneath at least one cover 770. The first weights 777 a can beadhesively (and releasably) attached to the roof 111 and secured to thecover 770 with one or more lines. Further details of the second weights777 b and the retainers 771 are described below with reference to FIGS.7B-7D.

FIG. 7B illustrates in cross-section an arrangement in which the covers770 include a first or upper cover 770 a, and a second or lower cover770 b. The lower cover 770 b can be positioned directly against thesurface of the roof 111, for example, against an upwardly facing surface112 of the membrane layer 1111. The space between the first cover 770 aand the second cover 770 b can define the boundaries of the plenum 778into which the injection manifold 707 injects air (e.g., air that hasbeen pre-treated via the dryer 540, the water separator 509, and/or theblower 513 described above), as indicated by arrows B. The injectionmanifold 707 can provide air at a slightly higher pressure than ambient(e.g., 2-4 inches of mercury above ambient pressure). This air is thendrawn into the roof structure via the injection inserts 705. Air iswithdrawn from the structure of the roof 111 via extraction inserts 701,and is directed to the extraction manifold 703, as indicated by arrow A.The force of the vacuum on the extraction manifold 703 (rather than theelevated pressure in the plenum 778) provides the primary force forwithdrawing air from the treatment area 530. Accordingly, the structureof the roof 111 is less likely to delaminate than if the primary forceon the flow resulted from high pressure in the plenum 778. At the sametime, the force of the vacuum can be controlled (e.g., to 40″-100″ Hg)so as to (a) prevent collapsing the layered structure of the roof 111(e.g., reducing the thickness and therefore the insulative efficiency ofthe insulative layer 1115), while still (b) consolidating the layeredstructure as part of the drying process, which can increase structuralintegrity.

FIG. 7B also illustrates a cover retainer 771 that is used to secure thecovers 770 in position. In a particular embodiment, the cover retainer771 includes one or more clamp members 772, illustrated in cross-sectionas a first clamp member 772 a and a second clamp member 772 b. Anadhesive 773 (e.g., an adhesive layer) secures the second cover 770 b tothe roof 111, and secures the second clamp member 772 b to the secondcover 770 b. The adhesive 773 can be a liquid, tape, and/or otheradhesive type and can also be used to secure the first weights 777 a(FIG. 7A) to the roof 111. In a representative embodiment, the adhesiveis generally similar to the adhesive used to secure vacuum bags aroundlarge commodity items, such as boats. The second clamp member 772 b caninclude a strip or base 774, and a male element 776. In a particularembodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the male element 776 can include anupwardly facing open cylindrical element, for example, a section of pipefrom which an arcuate, lengthwise-extending section has been removed.The corresponding first clamp member 772 a can include a correspondingdownwardly facing open cylindrical element 775 carried by acorresponding strip 774. The male element 776 is inserted into thefemale element 775 with the first cover 770 a in between, as will beshown in FIG. 7C, to secure the first cover 770 a to the second cover770 b. A second weight 777 b (e.g., a water-filled fire hose) can aid insecuring the covers 770 to the roof 111.

FIG. 7B further illustrates the injection and extraction inserts 705,701 positioned in the roof structure. In a particular embodiment,individual inserts can be threaded into the roof structure. In a furtheraspect of this embodiment, the holes in the membrane 1111 that receivethe inserts can be smaller than the outer diameter of the inserts so asto form a tight (sealed) interface.

FIG. 7C illustrates a portion of the configuration shown in FIG. 7B,with the cover retainer 771 engaged with the covers 770 a, 770 b. Theadhesive 773 secures the second (lower) cover 770 b to the roof 111, andsecures the second clamp member 772 b to the second cover 770 b. Thefirst cover 770 a is captured at the interface between the male element776 and the female element 775. The second weight 777 b provides furtherstability and resistance to wind loads. As low pressure air isintroduced between the first and second covers 770 a, 770 b via theinjection manifold 707 (FIG. 7B), the plenum 778 inflates slightly,allowing relatively dry air to be drawn into the roof structure throughthe injection inserts 705 (FIG. 7B), while moist air is drawn outthrough the extraction inserts 701 (FIG. 7B). The foregoing arrangementis deliberately constructed not to be airtight. In a particularembodiment, approximately 90% of the air provided to the plenum 778“leaks” from the plenum 778 (e.g., via the escape opening(s) 779described above with reference to FIG. 7A), with about 10% beingdirected into the roof structure. In other embodiments, the fraction ofair directed from the plenum 778 into the roof structure can have othersuitable values.

The cover retainer 771 can be formed from multiple segments (e.g., 2feet in length) that are positioned end-to-end within the outerperimeter of the first cover 770 a. The resulting connection between thefirst and second covers 770 a, 770 b need not be continuous or airtightbecause, as discussed above, a significant amount of the air within theplenum 778 is deliberately allowed to escape.

FIG. 7D illustrates an arrangement in which the second cover 770 b hasbeen eliminated. Instead, the first cover 770 a is attached directly tothe roof 111 using the adhesive 773, the first clamp member 772 a, andthe second clamp member 772 b described above. This arrangement can beparticularly suitable when the roof upper surface 112 is relativelysmooth, allowing the first cover 770 a to be secured directly to theroof without the aid of the second cover described above.

FIG. 8A is a partially schematic, plan view of a portion of a system 800positioned on a roof 111 in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent technology. The roof 111 includes multiple fiberboard panels1113 below the roof's surface (and shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8A).Typically, the fiberboard panels 1113 have a regular dimension, forexample, 4 feet by 8 feet. The system 800 can be installed on the roof111 to ensure that at least one injection site and at least oneextraction site is positioned in each panel 1113. For example, thesystem 800 can include a series of interconnected cover retainers thatsecure a cover (shown in FIG. 8B) in position, and define correspondingtreatment areas 830. Each treatment area 830 includes multiple injectionlocations 835 and extraction locations 831. In a particular aspect ofthis embodiment, the extraction locations 831 are positioned directlybeneath the retainer 871, with the retainer 871 carrying thecorresponding extraction inserts, as will be discussed in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8B is a partially schematic, isometric illustration of a portion ofthe roof 111, including an upwardly facing roof surface 112. FIG. 8Balso illustrates a portion of the cover retainer 871. The cover retainer871 can perform multiple functions, including supporting extractioninserts relative to the roof surface 112, and supporting covers over theroof surface 112. For example, the cover retainer 871 can include afirst element 872 a (e.g., a first clamp member) and a second element872 b (e.g., a second clamp member) that together clamp one or morecovers or sections of covers 870 therebetween. In a particularembodiment, the elements 872 a, 872 b are formed from stainless steel oranother suitable, weather-resistant material (e.g., metal) that hassufficient weight to keep the covers 870 on the roof surface 112. Thefirst element 872 a can include a first fastener 886 (e.g., a threadedpost) that extends through a hole in the second element 872 b to receivea second fastener 887 (e.g., a wing nut). This arrangement is used tofirmly clamp the covers 870 between the first and second elements 872 a,872 b. Gaskets 882 extending downwardly from the first and secondelements 872 a, 872 b aid in sealing the cover 870 to the retainer 871,and in sealing the retainer 871 to the roof 811. Once installed, thecovers 870 define corresponding plenums 878 between the covers and theroof surface 112.

The cover retainer 871 can also support a corresponding extractioninsert 801 in position at an extraction location 831 on the roof 111. Inparticular, each of the retainer elements 872 a, 872 b can includecorresponding insert apertures 881, which are positioned coaxiallyduring use. The extraction insert 801 can include a body 883 that isinserted through the insert apertures 881 and into a corresponding hole(not visible in FIG. 8B) in the roof surface 112. The extraction insert801 is held in place with a washer 884 and a nut 885 (or other suitablefasteners). The extraction insert can further aid in securing the coverretainer 871 and the covers 870 to the roof 111. Further details of theextraction insert 801 and techniques for coupling it are described belowwith reference to FIGS. 9A-9C.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate inserts in accordance with two embodiments of thepresent technology. The inserts were described above with reference toFIG. 8B as extraction inserts, but the same inserts can operate asinjection inserts as well.

Referring first to FIG. 9A, a first extraction insert 801 a includes abody 883 having fastener threads 892 that receive the corresponding nut885. The body 883 can also include roof threads 891, which can becoarser threads configured to threadably engage the fibrous material ofthe fiberboard panels 1113 (FIG. 8A). The body 883 can also include afirst internal cavity 888 a having a shoulder 890 and extendingdownwardly to openings 882 that provide for fluid communication with theinterior of the roof structure. A corresponding coupling 893 a isinserted into the internal cavity 888 a to rest on the shoulder 890 andprovide a smooth passageway for fluid to enter or exit the insert 801 a.The coupling 893 a can include a hose fitting 894 for connections to anextraction manifold or injection manifold.

FIG. 9B illustrates a second extraction insert 801 b that includes manyof the same elements described above with reference to the firstextraction insert 801 a, but further includes multiple spreadableportions 895 (bordered by a separation line 895 a) toward the lower endof the body 883. An internal cavity 888 b includes a taper 889 so as toreceive a corresponding tapered portion of a corresponding coupling 893b. The tapered portion of the coupling 893 b is not tapered as narrowlyas that of the internal cavity 888 b. Accordingly, when the coupling 893b is inserted into the internal cavity 888 b (as shown in FIG. 9C) thecoupling 893 b forces the spreadable portions 895 apart and into snugcontact with the adjacent fiberboard 1113. Accordingly, the secondextraction insert 801 b can be used where the fiberboard 1113 is lessdense, and/or otherwise compromised so that the spreadable portions 895prevent the second extraction insert 801 b from being pulled upwardlyout of the fiberboard 1113. To remove the inserts shown in FIGS. 9A-9C,the corresponding coupling is pulled out, and the insert is unthreadedfrom the roof. During operation, the corresponding coupling is held inplace by friction, the force applied by the nut 885, and/or the vacuumforce used to extract moisture.

FIG. 10 is a partially schematic, plan view of a representative system800 in which covers 870 have been positioned over correspondingtreatment areas 830 and held in place with cover retainers 871. Thesystem 800 includes an injection manifold 807 that is coupled to theregion beneath the covers 870 with corresponding supply connectors 1020.An extraction manifold 803 is coupled to the corresponding extractioninserts 801 positioned in the cover retainer 871. An air mover 821(e.g., a blower) generates a vacuum in the extraction manifold 803 towithdraw moist air through the extraction inserts. The air can bedirected to a moisture removal device 840 (e.g., a dehumidifier) which,when operating in a closed or partially closed loop fashion, directs thedried air back into the injection manifold 807. Each of the covers 870can include one or more escape openings or vents 879 that allow asignificant portion of the air directed into the corresponding plenumsto escape. Each escape opening 879 can include a vent fitting 896described in further detail later with reference to FIG. 15.

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic, side elevation view of arepresentative supply connector 1020 for delivering air into the plenum878, as described above with reference to FIG. 10. The supply connector1020 can be connected between the injection manifold 807 and the cover870, which is in turn positioned over the plenum 878. The supplyconnector 1020 can include a conduit 1021 coupled to an elbow 1022having a first fastener element 1023. A corresponding second fastenerelement 1025 can be threadably attached to the first fastener element1023, with the cover 870 and one or more gaskets 1024 positioned betweento provide a fluid-tight seal with the cover 870. In a particularembodiment, the supply connector 1020 can include a valve 1026 forregulating the amount of air directed into the plenum 878. In particularembodiments, the valves 1026 for each corresponding supply connector1020 can be used to account for friction losses along the injectionmanifold 807. In particular, supply connectors 1020 close to the sourceof air for the plenum 878 can be partially closed to prevent excess airfrom being delivered to the corresponding treatment areas 830, andsupply connectors 1020 located more distant from the source can havecorresponding valves 1026 opened further to allow additional airflow.

FIG. 12 is a partially schematic, enlarged plan view illustration of aportion of a representative system 800 having features generally similarto those discussed above with reference to FIG. 10. Accordingly, thesystem 800 includes an extraction manifold 803, injection manifold 807,air mover 821, and moisture removal device 840. The system 800 can alsoinclude a water separator 1209 to remove moisture from the extractedfluid stream before it reaches the moisture removal device 840. A bypasschannel 1230 is connected between the injection manifold 807 and theextraction manifold 803, and can include a bypass valve 1231.Accordingly, an operator (or an automated controller) can regulate theamount of flow that bypasses the moisture removal device 840. Inparticular embodiments, depending upon the environmental conditions andthe mode in which the system is operated, the injection manifold 807and/or the extraction manifold 803 can also be physically decoupled fromthe moisture removal device 840.

FIG. 12 also illustrates a variety of sensors distributed at variouspoints throughout the system to measure one or more operationalparameters. A dryer inlet sensor 1251 can measure the temperature,humidity, and/or operational status of the moisture removal device 840.A dryer outlet sensor 1252 can measure the same parameters at the outletof the moisture removal device 840. Vacuum sensors 1255 can bepositioned to measure the level of vacuum at various points within thesystem. Treatment area sensors 1252 (shown as a first treatment areasensor 1252 a and a second treatment area sensor 1252 b) can measuretemperature, humidity, and/or pressure within broader areas of thesystem. For example, the first treatment area sensor 1252 a can bepositioned beneath the cover 870 (FIG. 10) but above the roof, and thesecond treatment area sensor 1252 b can be positioned within the roofstructure. A supply sensor 1259 can measure the temperature and/ormoisture content of the air directed into the injection manifold 807. Awater separator sensor 1253 can measure the power, water pump-out rate,vacuum level, and/or other parameters at the water separator 1209. Anair mover sensor 1258 can measure similar quantities at the air mover821. An environmental sensor 1257 can measure wind speed, incident solarenergy, and/or other environmental parameters, and/or can record audioand/or video data.

FIG. 13 is a partially schematic plan view illustration of an embodimentof the cover retainer 871, including the first element 872 a which (forpurposes of illustration) is laterally offset from the second element872 b. Each element can include multiple sections 1371 having sectionedges 1372 that abut the adjacent section. The sections 1371 can includeshort sections 1371 a and long sections 1371 b. The short and longsections 1371 a, 1371 b can be arranged as shown in FIG. 13 so that thesection edges 1372 of the first element 872 a do not align with oroverlap the section edges 1372 of the second element 872 b. Thisarrangement can provide a more secure and more fluid-type connectionwith the cover 870 (shown in FIG. 10).

FIG. 14 is an enlarged isometric end view of the first and secondelements 872 a, 872 b of the cover retainer 871 engaged with the covers870. As shown in FIG. 14, the first element 872 a can include steps 1474that receive the second element 872 b so as to further secure the covers870 against lateral movement when the covers 870 are sandwiched betweenthe first and second elements 872 a and 872 b.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a vent fitting 896, describedabove with reference to FIG. 10. The vent fitting 896 can includeseveral elements similar to or identical to the supply connector 1020described above with reference to FIG. 11, including an elbow 1022,first fastener element 1023, gaskets 1024, and second fastener element1025. Instead of connecting to a conduit 1021 (as is the case with thetypical supply connector 1020), the vent fitting 896 connects to a ventcap 1526. In addition, the elbow 1022 can include a first opening 1527a, and the vent cap 1526 can include a corresponding second opening 1527b. The vent cap 1526 is pressed over the end of the elbow 1022 and canbe rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to (a) align the second opening1527 b with the first opening 1527 a (to allow venting) or (b) offsetthe two openings (to prevent venting). Accordingly, the vent fitting 896can be used to control the rate at which air vents from the plenum 878formed underneath the cover 870.

One advantage of embodiments of the present technology is that thesystem can be customized to fit various types of structures that arewater-damaged. Another advantage of embodiments of the presenttechnology is that the system can include modular components that havemultiple purposes, simple installation procedures, and/or relatively lowreplacement costs. For example, the dehumidifier and blower can be usedfor tasks other than roof drying. The inserts can be easily accessedfrom the outer surface of the roof, and can be relatively inexpensive toproduce and install. Yet another feature of at least some of theforegoing methods and associated systems is that they can be easilyadjusted in response to environmental conditions, e.g., by employing anopen loop arrangement under cold/dry weather conditions, and a closedloop arrangement under hot/wet weather conditions and/or selectingbetween a recirculating arrangement and a single-pass arrangement.

An overarching result of any one or combination of the foregoingfeatures is that the process of drying a roof can be more effective,less expensive, and/or more flexible than conventional processes. As aresult, the process of drying a roof can be simpler and/or lessexpensive than present processes.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thetechnology. For example, the extraction inserts and the extractionmanifold can be integrally formed in a molding process. Similarly, theinjection inserts and the injection manifold can also be integrallyformed in a molding process. Without departing from the scope of thepresent technology, the inserts and manifolds can have configurationsother than those described above. For example, the numbers of theextraction inserts and the injection inserts can be different. In stillfurther embodiments, arrangements generally similar to those describedabove can be used to dry other building components, e.g., walls and/orfloors. In several embodiments described above, the flow proceedingalong the flow path away from the roof is referred to as an airflow. Itwill be understood that while air will typically be a significantconstituent of the flow, the flow will typically include water vapor,liquid water and/or particulates, depending on the level of moisture inthe roof, the position along the flow path, an/or other factors.

In particular embodiments described above, the manifolds are positionedover multiple inserts. In other embodiments, a manifold can bepositioned over a single insert. In still further embodiments, both theinsert and the manifold can be eliminated, and the flow can proceeddirectly from a conduit to a hole (at an injection location) and/ordirectly from a hole to a conduit (at an extraction location). Therelative positions of the male and female elements described above withreference to FIG. 7B can be reversed in particular embodiments. In stillfurther embodiments, the second weight 777 b can be integrated with themale element. The covers can be made from materials other than thosedescribed above.

Certain aspects of the technology described in the context of particularembodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Forexample, aspects of the technology can be practiced without thedehumidifier, as described above. In particular, single-pass systems caneliminate the dehumidifier, particularly if the ambient air is dryenough to be injected directly into the roof structure. Othersingle-pass systems can include a dehumidifier to dry the injected air,but do not include an open or closed loop recirculation feature.Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of thetechnology have been described in the context of those embodiments,other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not allembodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within thescope of the present technology. Accordingly, the present disclosure andassociated technology can encompass other embodiments not expresslyshown or described herein.

To the extent any of the materials incorporated herein by referenceconflict with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls.

We claim:
 1. A method for drying a roof structure, comprising:positioning an extraction insert in a first hole in the roof structure;positioning an injection insert in a second hole in the roof structure;coupling at least one of the extraction insert and the injection insertto be in fluid communication with an air mover; placing a cover over theinjection insert to form a plenum in fluid communication with theinjection insert; securing the cover to the roof structure with aretainer, with the injection insert passing through a hole in theretainer; activating the air mover to remove moisture from within theroof structure; and directing air into the roof structure via theinjection insert and the plenum.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising coupling a water separator to be in fluid communication withthe extraction insert, and wherein removing moisture includes separatingwater from a flow of fluid removed from within the roof structure by theair mover.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the air mover includes avacuum blower in fluid communication with the extraction insert.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising coupling a dehumidifier in fluidcommunication with the extraction insert, and wherein removing moistureincludes removing water vapor from a flow of fluid removed from withinthe roof structure by the air mover.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising coupling the dehumidifier between the extraction insert andthe injection insert to remove water vapor from the fluid removed viathe extraction insert, and direct air to the injection insert.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein positioning the extraction insert includespositioning the extraction insert in a fiber board layer of the roof bypassing a portion of the extraction insert through a membrane layer ofthe roof.
 7. A method for drying a roof structure, comprising:positioning an injection insert in the roof structure; placing a coverover the injection insert in the roof structure; securing the cover tothe roof structure with a retainer, wherein positioning the injectioninsert includes positioning the injection insert through a hole in theretainer; drawing moisture-laden air from within the roof structure viaa vacuum blower and an extraction insert; directing the moisture-ladenair to a water separator; removing a first portion of moisture from themoisture-laden air at the water separator; directing the moisture-ladenair from the water separator to a dehumidifier; removing a secondportion of moisture from the moisture-laden air at the dehumidifier toform a flow of dried air; and directing at least some of the dried airinto the roof structure through the injection insert.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising adjusting a position of the injection insertinside the roof structure so as to selectively direct air to at leastone of a corrugated steel layer of the roof, an insulation layer of theroof, and a fiber board layer of the roof.
 9. The method of claim 7,further comprising: measuring a moisture level of the moisture-laden airand the dried air; removing the injection insert and the extractioninsert from the roof in response to the moisture level of themoisture-laden air being lower than a threshold level; and applying asealant to the roof after removing the injection insert and theextraction insert from the roof.
 10. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: measuring a first flow volume passing through the vacuumblower; measuring a second flow volume passing through the dehumidifier;and balancing the first flow volume and the second flow volume.
 11. Amethod for drying a roof structure, comprising: positioning multipleextraction inserts in corresponding first holes in the roof structure;coupling the extraction inserts to a manifold; coupling the manifold toan air mover; positioning multiple injection inserts in correspondingsecond holes in the roof structure; placing a cover over the multipleinjection inserts; securing the cover to the roof structure with aretainer, wherein positioning the multiple injection inserts includespositioning the multiple injection inserts through a hole in theretainer; directing a flow of air into a plenum between the cover andthe roof structure; and activating the air mover to remove moisture fromwithin the roof structure.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising coupling a dehumidifier to at least one of the plenum and themanifold.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein coupling the dehumidifierincludes coupling the dehumidifier between the plenum and the manifold,and wherein the method further comprises activating the dehumidifier towithdraw moisture from a flow of fluid removed from the roof structureby the air mover, and direct at least a portion of the flow into theroof structure via the plenum.
 14. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising heating the plenum with solar radiation absorbed by thecover.
 15. A system for drying a roof structure, comprising: at leastone extraction insert having at least one entrance opening positioned toreceive a flow of moist air from within the roof structure, and at leastone exit opening positioned to deliver the flow of moist air; at leastone injection insert, having at least one entrance opening positioned toreceive a flow of dry air and at least one exit opening positioned todeliver the flow of dry air to the roof structure; and an air movercoupleable to at least one of the at least one extraction insert and theat least one injection insert to remove moisture from the roof; whereinat least one of the at least one extraction insert and the at least oneinjection insert includes a body having multiple spreadable portions.16. A system for drying a roof structure, comprising: a plurality ofextraction inserts, with individual extraction inserts having at leastone entrance opening positioned to receive a flow of moist air fromwithin the roof structure, and at least one exit opening positioned todeliver the flow of moist air; an extraction manifold coupleable to theplurality of extraction inserts; a plurality of injection inserts, withindividual injection inserts having at least one entrance openingpositioned to receive a flow of dry air and at least one exit openingpositioned to deliver the flow of dry air to the roof structure; a coverpositioned over the injection inserts to form a plenum below the coverand above a surface of the roof structure; an air mover coupled to theextraction manifold to remove a flow of moist air from the roof; and aretainer positioned to secure the cover to the roof, and wherein atleast one of the extraction inserts extends through the retainer. 17.The system of claim 16, further comprising a dehumidifier coupleable tothe extraction manifold to remove moisture from the moist air.
 18. Thesystem of claim 16, further comprising a dehumidifier coupleable to aninjection manifold coupled to the plurality of injection inserts toremove moisture from air directed to the injection manifold.
 19. Thesystem of claim 16 wherein the cover has a dark,solar-radiation-absorptive color.